1/ Ok. I'm just about done my zoom calls for the day and catching up on this, so let's do this. Thread. Before I do, I ask you all to read this. mprempel.ca/news/f/mp-remp…
2/ Since the Star got personal I guess I will, even though I hate doing so. I've never believed in the whole "work life balance" myth as it relates to politics. To do this job well it is all consuming. Period. I've gone through two major relationship breakups in politics.
3/ Last year something miraculous happened - I got remarried, to someone who understands that my community comes first. He has been through a lot himself, but has always, ALWAYS supported my work for my community. Even writing this makes me tear up with gratitude for him.
4/ Now imagine being a 24 year combat veteran, and watching your spouse get death threats, abuse, and more, and then sitting back when she tells you she will fight her own battles and to ignore it. That's love. He doesn't ask for much.
5/ In fact, after 24 years of service, he has chosen to travel to see me and support me in my country, while trying to keep a homefront maintained in another country after being posted all over hells half acre for the better part of his career. Also love.
6/ So yes, while Trudeau/Tam were telling Canadians that closing the border wouldn't work to stop COVID-19, I travelled to attend to an urgent, private personal matter. I am glad I did. The border closures quickly followed and I am grateful for the guideance of my party whip.
7/ My statement (posted in #1) goes through all the pertinent details. And, I would get it if I was hiding this face or wasn't working. I've been transparent about both of these issues, going as far as to outline everything I've been working on during this time.
8/ So the next time the Star or the Liberal comms staffers who shopped the story asks for understanding on a personal circumstance, remember this. That said, what matters is my focus on what I'm doing for my constituents.
9/ I get this type of warfare. The hope it will push me off questioning their disgusting treatment of the workers in the energy sector, their abysmal handling of the COVID crisis and more. But I'm tougher than they are.
10/ In fact, it makes me want to dig my heels in even more. I won't let up and as always, I will proudly continue fighting for my community, no matter what. ~M
